Meet the Maker | B-TD
B-TD
B-TD is a Melbourne-based design studio renowned for its distinctive, handcrafted lighting and furniture, reflecting the essence of 21st-century Australia through a refined, minimalist aesthetic. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Jonathan from B-TD to uncover his creative journey, process, and inspirations.
Explore the full interview in our latest ‘Meet the Maker.’
How did B-TD Begin?
B-TD started quite organically. About 10 years ago, I was working as a freelance industrial designer and created a few pieces of lighting for a friend who was fitting out a bar. The pieces were initially very handmade, using simple materials I could work with in the small coworking space I was renting at the time. As interest in my work grew, lighting gradually took over my freelance projects. Around 6 years ago, I fully committed to producing lighting under B-TD, and since then, the range of products and clients has continued to grow.
What is the intention behind what you create?
I am very focused on creating products that complement the context in which they are placed. I carefully consider where a light will be used and how its scale and materials will interact with other architectural elements. I hope that my work will quietly make a statement, having a strong identity without being overly dominant.
Walk us through the process of creating a new lighting design
There is usually an initial spark of interest—maybe a new production process or material I have yet to explore. At times, it might be a specific way of using light. For example, the Reflector range began from exploring ways to reduce the glare from direct LED light sources. Then, I sketch, create models, and test different forms until I find a direction worth pursuing. Many ideas fall away during this initial exploratory stage. After that, a series of working prototypes is created to refine the concept into a production-ready product. Sometimes, this whole process can take a couple of years, mainly because new product development has to be squeezed into the gaps between running a business.
What is inspiring you?
I love art and architecture. Visiting galleries or exploring cities brings me a great deal of inspiration. I find the way artists use materials in unexpected ways particularly fascinating.
What is important to you in a space/ interior?
I love spaces that are true reflections of the owner's identity. Even if that means they aren't aligned with the latest trends, it's refreshing when people express something genuine about what makes them happy in a space.
What is on the horizon for you and B-TD?
I have two new ranges of lights coming out very soon. One of the ranges involves creating a new production method, where I hand-carve a building material called Hebal and make aluminum castings from the carvings. It’s a combination of carving and casting, so I think the range will be called Carst. There are textural elements mixed with mirror-polished surfaces. It's always exciting when products you've worked on for months are finally going to be released after a long process of development.